All the months of speculation can now end...Ford has officially unveiled the 2010 Taurus SHO at the Chicago Auto Show.
The first Taurus SHO debuted in 1989 and after three generations it was killed 10 years later, but now its back and better than ever. The new Taurus SHO builds upon the recently unveiled Taurus, but features much more power thanks to the 365 horsepower EcoBoost V6 under the hood. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel-drive is standard.
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO will be available this summer wit a starting price of $37,995.
PRESS RELEASE:
TAURUS SHO RETURNS WITH 365HP ECOBOOST V-6, PLUS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, PADDLE-SHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX
The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.
The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque sensing all-wheel drive system, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus.
Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees.
CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – One of America's favorite "sleeper" performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine.
The Taurus SHO joins Ford's growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list four years running.
"The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts' calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude."
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.
EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.
The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the "turbo lag" often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver's seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.
SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.
SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow "match-rev" downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.
The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.
"Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride," said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.
Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.
SHO Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.
"Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car," said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. "The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart."
The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.
The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.
MyKey allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently-engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph further protecting their investment.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.
Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion.
SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.
Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference.
The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.
Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:
Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windscreen mounted rearview mirror.
Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive Cruise Control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and pre-charges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, and indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.
Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.
Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.
Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen.
Sony Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 Watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.
The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford's Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.
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Comments (41)
Its got the power AND the drivetrain to handle it. Ford's investment into EcoBoost is finally showing itself. But man, that's expensive. 38k is deep into Luxo-sport territory. You could get a 335i or an IS350 for that price, less power though. I speculate roughly 13 sec flat at 103mph. Sigh...I don't want to get stomped by a Taurus....
Posted by vtfo0lio | February 11, 2009 4:47 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 16:47
But the speedometer reads in 10mph increments vt. Those who are entirely lost using 20mph increment spreedometers will kill each getting in line to buy it.
Posted by Trooper Bri | February 11, 2009 5:33 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 17:33
38k? That is Charger SRT8 and G8 GXP territory. No thanks.
Posted by Avatar | February 11, 2009 5:46 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 17:46
No manual option, that is dissapointing. I can understand if they want to make the six speed automatic standard but to not at least give the option for a manual is dissapointing to say the least.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | February 11, 2009 5:56 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 17:56
Charger and G8 territory? Yeah, if you like cars with worst-in-class quality. The G8 isn't too bad, but guaranteed with Ford's current quality, the Taurus trump both these cars. Power means nothing if it's sitting at the dealer getting fixed.
Posted by Chmilz | February 11, 2009 6:52 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 18:52
Leave out all the crap that doesn't make the car go faster, it's an SHO, not LTD.
"Front seats are 10-way power adjustable." Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Ford SYNC® is added dead weight and more cost
Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Reverse Camera System, verdict = dead weight and more cost
Adaptive Cruise Control, Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. verdict = dead weight and more cost
Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen. Verdict = dead weight and more cost
Posted by Dean | February 11, 2009 6:58 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 18:58
Dean, go drive a Lincoln MKS and imagine it with 100 more HP. You'll forget all those negative comments. I promise.
Posted by GRIZZ | February 11, 2009 9:23 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 21:23
50-70 year old white men are already lining up.
Posted by Patrick | February 11, 2009 9:25 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 21:25
Did anyone notice that "fuel economy" was mentioned several times throughout the article but no MPG figures were given?
I think the car looks great and it's definitely going to be fast so it'll fill a gap in Ford's lineup but for the majority of people, that price tag, for a Ford, is too high for me. I pretty certain most people don't need all that power and would choose a less-powerful, more luxurious, vehicle over this one.
Either way, Ford has done a good job with bringing back the SHO. They should have given it a manual transmission though.
Posted by D! | February 11, 2009 10:16 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 22:16
DI:
What did you say about less power, more luxury? How about a BMW 335i, Lexus IS350, Infiniti G37? I love a sleeper, but a $38,000 car is no sleeper. LTD should have all these options... an SHO should not. This car just doesn't have the interior or the body to compete with the cars I have listed.
However, I'm sure with Ford's new surprisingly high quality offerings, this car will perform and last a while, unlike some of the cars I have listed previously. Hopefully the driving experience is there... it may be fast, but I've driven wicked fast cars with terrible feel and an overall poor experience. Numbers around a track does not make a car.
I'm having high hopes for this though... I'm definitely going to test drive it. Who wouldn't want a sickenly quick grocery-getter? It would definitely freak out any of the Luxury-Sport cars when they see it keep up or pass them!
Posted by Joan of Arc | February 11, 2009 11:07 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 23:07
It's a Taurus...there is only so far up stream you can move it.
And I wouldn't put it directly against a Camaro or SRT8. At least those aren't really pretending to be more up scale than they are. Big engine, rwd, manual have fun. That's their basic formula. It's obvious Ford is trying to cast their net as wide as possible.
Posted by Brian | February 12, 2009 5:47 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 05:47
I fail to see how a brand new twin turbo Ford will have higher quality then the proven v8s in the GXP and SRT8. Lastly, it is making the power of a G8 GT which costs 6 grand less and is more car. The new Camaro is making 15.6% more power then this and costs 7 grand less. Like Dean said, they should have cut the fat and placed it in competition of the Charger R/T or G8 GT since that is where it falls power wise. Gas mileage wise, it will most likely be the same as the G8 GT as well, but needs premium vs regular.
Bigger car, same power, same gas mileage, 6 grand less or bigger car, more power, little less gas mileage, 7 grand less. You also have the Charger R/T, which is 368hp and about 5 grand less, getting 16/25 with regular again. Like others have side, a Ford isn't a luxury or entry luxury vehicle.
Posted by Avatar | February 12, 2009 7:18 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 07:18
I'm with Dead and Joan of Arc. This is laden down with too much stuff that doesn't have to be there. That both adds weight and adds cost. As a result, this isn't the great band-for-the-buck sleeper SHO from years past. (And that's a damn shame and missed opportunity.)
So, what is it? To me, it looks like Fords sticking it's foot into waters currently prowled by the likes of BMW, Audi and Infinity. That's FIERCE competition, and I'm skeptical that this SHO has the chops for that.
Still, haven't seen one in the flesh, haven't driven it, haven't read any reviews from people who have. I would LOVE for it to be competitive, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Still, if only it had been a low profile, big bang sleeper at around $30k... sigh...
Posted by kw | February 12, 2009 7:19 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 07:19
You guys are kind of missing the mark here..
It appears the market they are looking for are people sort of like me. I'm 30, have spare cash but not so much that I can afford a family car (I have a 3 month old) and a toy car.
My wife drives an A4, drove in a Merc C240 (or some relatively new small Merc). Told me she didn't like it as it was too sloppy and not sporty enough. the new Taurus is a low budget 5 series type car for fledgling families who refuse to admit they are adults. They want/need a car that's not a shitty Hyundai but can't neccessarily afford a BMW and still want to have fun. I'm not going to buy a Toyota because they have slightly less personality than dry toast. A new, comparitive BMW/Audi will cost me a fortune, they will be less reliable and cost a god awful fortune to repair.
For half the cost of an M5 and (probably) 2/3rds of the performance, I'll take the SHO anyday.
Ford's quality is as good as anyone, parts will be cheaper and I don't have to travel 50 miles out of my way to find my "local" BMW/Audi/VW dealer.
The only REAL downside to the SHO is no stick and mega lame FWD.
Posted by Notavatar | February 12, 2009 8:08 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 08:08
@ Dean
Perfectly said.
This car SHOULD have been a twin turbo with a focus on performance.
The car as listed here will die a quick death.
38K for a Taurus? Someone is smoking the good stuff.
Posted by Timeless | February 12, 2009 8:37 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 08:37
What's to miss Notavatar (and clearly you aren't lmao)?
Taurus SHO
365 hp
38k
G8 GT
361 hp
32k
G8 GXP
415 hp
38k
Charger R/T
368 hp
33k
Charger SRT8
425 hp
38k
As proven with MKS, gas mileage for the Taurus SHO should be around 16/25, maybe a little better or little worse (most likely worse since more power then MKS). The Charger R/T is 16/25 and G8 GT is 15/24. Both Charger R/T and G8 GT use regular fuel vs premium, offer similar horsepower and cost 1000s less. Ford doesn't compete with Caddy, BMW, Audi, etc, it competes with Pontiac, Chevy, Dodge, etc. Ford has Lincoln to go against Caddy, BMW, Audi, etc.
Oh, and when Pontiac released the G8 GT, it was compared against the 5 series, and costs 6 grand less the the SHO.
Posted by Avatar | February 12, 2009 8:41 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 08:41
I would MUCH rather drive this car than the pathetic attempt at a sporty sedan Acura calls the TSX V6.
Posted by Gary | February 12, 2009 9:36 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 09:36
True Gary, but the TSX v6 is suppose to start between "pricing north of the four-cylinder TSX's base price of $28,960 and south of the TL's base price of $34,995." Right in the middle would be 32k and again, 6k less then the Taurus SHO. Ford really priced this one out of their league.
Posted by Avatar | February 12, 2009 10:03 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 10:03
lol....that comment about the 50-70yo white guys lining up is true.......GO taurus....now the next time an old person barrels into a packed market full of people by accidently hitting the gas instead of the break, he can take out 2x as many with the 350hp....btw, g8 and srt charger are much sweeter looking....old folks, LINE UP!
Posted by Art | February 12, 2009 12:00 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 12:00
I love the fact that Ford brought this car back. Based upon what I've read in the specs, its much "nicer" than the G8 or the Chargers (which is not the most attractive car in my book). The G8 and Charger, even the SRT-8 are pretty plain inside, so even though these cars are all in the same segment, each will have positives and negatives.
Oh, and you can't get a 335i for 38k, they start at 41.6 and that is with nothing in it. Mine wasn't completely loaded, but stickered for just under 48 (got it for 43 though).
I think 38K might be a little aggressive for Ford on this one, but I'm still happy to see them enter a model into this segment. Competition is good for the consumer!
Posted by DarthBalls | February 12, 2009 12:02 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 12:02
$38K for a couple of turbos on a Taurus? Seriously? $30k would be pushing it enough. Apparently Ford thinks they can fix their company by just over-pricing everything. The problem with that is that they'll just push their customers (except the die-hards, who are getting fewer and fewer each year) to the competition.
Posted by Totenglocke | February 12, 2009 1:16 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 13:16
Just an FYI this thing should easily hang with the cars everyone is talking about. Just having AWD alone should give it a jump off the line on the all the RWD cars people are comparing it too. Sure it's a Ford, sure it's a Taurus, but it'll blow the doors off an Acura TL and run pretty close to if not ahead of the Genesis Sedan for less money. Seems like a pretty good shot at the AWD TL which is fugly as all get out and lacks decent power.
Posted by Gary | February 12, 2009 1:49 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 13:49
It's a $38,000 TAURUS. It's doomed to failure.
Posted by JB | February 12, 2009 2:39 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 14:39
$38k BASE for something labeled Taurus? Loaded up with options, this thing will be mid-40's just like that other thing that isn't selling...the Flex.
Ford is out of there mind. That's deep into luxury / sports car territory with Audi, MB, BMW and Lexus models.
Not to mention you can get a G8 GXP for closer to $30k if you're not scared to haggle.
Posted by Noya | February 12, 2009 4:10 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 16:10
its not base idiot, the SHO is already a premium package over the base Taurus. Other than appearance options there isn't much to add.
And we are talking MSRP here so it doesn't mean jack shit for the showroom price. Plenty of haggle room here as well.
A bit ridiculous with comparing this to a Charger. They aren't even going after the same market. Its competition is the fugly Maxima, fugly Acura, average 268hp Camry, and the G8.
Adding all the options that come standard puts the camry at 35+k and its still severely underpowered and nothing special in the looks department. Easy decision to pay 3k for the added looks and power.
The competition comes down to the G8. The G8 GT will almost certainly force the Taurus into the same price bracket at the dealership.
Posted by Sandman | February 12, 2009 5:49 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 17:49
Eh, I might go for it if could get it for about 30K with rebates and shit.
Posted by Jung | February 12, 2009 6:33 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 18:33
I'd definitely go for it if I was 50+ year old and blah.
Posted by Rick G | February 12, 2009 8:15 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 20:15
I'd definitely go for it if I was 50+ year old and blah.
Posted by Rick Wag | February 12, 2009 8:16 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 20:16
@ Sandman
Read the article IDIOT. The last fourth of it is option$. While most of them are excessive, anyone spending $35k+ wants NAV and a decent stereo...which will add another $4k to the price.
Posted by Noya | February 13, 2009 12:55 AM
Posted on February 13, 2009 00:55
Still too stupid to recognize its MSRP pricing.
Posted by Sandman | February 13, 2009 4:37 AM
Posted on February 13, 2009 04:37
Alright, let's run this down real quick. Ford has always been the cheaper, lower powered player vs GM. Mustang has always been cheaper but lower powered then a Camaro. During this rebirth of the muscle car era, Ford is really pricing its self out of range.
Ford Mustang
210 hp 16/24 mpg 20k
300 hp 15/22 mpg 27k (315 hp for 2010)
500hp 14/20 mpg 43k (540 hp for 2010)
Chevy Camaro
300 hp 26 highway 23k
400 hp 23 highway 31k
Dodge Challenger
250 hp 17/25 mpg 23k
372 hp 16/25 mpg 31k
425 hp 14/22 mpg 42k
Ford Taurus
SE 263 hp 18/28 mpg 26k (Price based on 2010)
SHO 365 hp 16/25 mpg 38k
Pontiac G8
Base 248 hp 17/25 mpg 30k
GT 361 hp 15/24 mpg 32k
GXP 415 hp 13/20 38k
Dodge Charger
SE 178 hp 18/26 mpg 25k
SXT 250 hp 17/25 mpg 27k
R/T 368 hp 16/25 33k
SRT8 425 hp 13/19 41k
The only thing you can argue for is the Taurus SE and the GT500. The GT500 however weighs 100 lbs less then a G8 GXP, makes 85 more hp, and gets a 0-60 time of 4.3-4.5s vs 4.6-4.7s of the G8 GXP, so what is wrong with that picture. The base G8 costs too much and needs the LLT that's in the v6 Camaro. Will get a little better gas mileage and bump up to 300 hp then. Taurus SE, great gas mileage, power, and cost compared to competition. SHO costs 5-6k more then what it should be competing against.
Camaro will be the new bench mark at this rate with a 0-60 of 4.6s and costing 12k less then a GT500 and 11k less the an Challenger SRT8 with its bad 4.9(Dodge claimed)-5.5s 0-60. And it is on Zeta, so it can handle if the G8 is any indication.
Side note: Something peculiar I just noticed. The GXP and Camaro use the same engine and trans, with Camaro getting 3 mpg more highway. Camaro does weigh less, so that can explain it. The Charger and Challenger, however, weigh the same with the same engine, same trans, same final drive ratio, same tires, same rims, and same coefficient of drag. Yet the Charger gets 1 less mpg city and 3 less mpg highway? Seems EPA has something against sedans.
Posted by Avatar | February 13, 2009 7:39 AM
Posted on February 13, 2009 07:39
Dean, your post actually provided some good laughter today. I guess all of the items most people want on their cars today is considered 'dead weight' by you. Why don't you just go to a junk yard and drive a stock car with no radio or creature comforts? Most people use their car for day to day commuting and want power seats and other items that make the drive comfortable. It is the year 2009.
Posted by John C | February 13, 2009 8:13 AM
Posted on February 13, 2009 08:13
And my MR2 2002 Turbo charged owns them all.
This new Taurus is really nice..why Ford didnt put this engine into Mustang?
Posted by MR2 | February 13, 2009 12:05 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 12:05
@John C:
I drive over 30K miles a year with no power seats and consider myself comfortable the whole time.
I mean, really, how many times do you have to adjust your seat to need electric motors to move your seat a couple inches?
Have people gotten so lazy they can't turn a knob or pull a lever?
@MR2
I was actually wondering the same thing about putting this engine into the Mustang. My only thoughts were that they know most of the die hard fans want displacement over technology. Wait for gas prices to go back up and I'm sure Ford will add it as an option.
Posted by Gary | February 13, 2009 3:01 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 15:01
Did Ford design their eco-boost engines or did they farm it out?
The original SHO engine was designed by Yamaha if I remember right, and could be retuned fairly easily for some additional hp.
Maybe if this one has had some Cosworth Engineering love designed into it, we'll see it hit 400-450 hp.
Anyone know?
Posted by Paul | February 13, 2009 3:07 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 15:07
more american junk
Posted by Isaac Weinstein | February 13, 2009 4:09 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 16:09
Hey Gang will you all stop this HP/Price Comparo already. Read my lips "Lease New" "Buy Used" is the key! So, if you lease this Taurus, the note will be based on its residual value. The GT8/Holden is most likely in its final production year, so residual value on GT8/GTX equals poor as GM is struggling to sell a paltry 500 units a month:( Have you seen one lately? Chrysler Corp may only survive another 18 months so the 300/Charger/Challenger residual value will also be piss poor and that also equates to a higher monthly lease payment relative to the Blue Oval. The Value statement favors the Taurus and if you don't want it loaded, order it! And last but certainly not least, you smart shoppers who are willing to wait for at least 12 mo/10k of depreciation to have its way with the venerable S.H.O. will find a nice twin screw propelled, 5 star crash rated to boot, stealth sled at a reasonable price period in early 2011 end of story. Night
Posted by worldbfree4me | February 13, 2009 10:53 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 22:53
@ Isaac Weinstein
Yet another idiot that contributes nothing to the comments section, if you don't like American cars why are you even looking in this section?
Posted by Nelson | February 15, 2009 8:21 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 20:21
is Ford's AWD system any good? I read about all the power, but will it duck or lumber around corners?
Posted by anon | February 16, 2009 11:23 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 23:23
Ok to all you guys out there comparing the G8 GT & GXP and Charger etc. U CANNOT get a fully loaded Charger for under $40K or a G8 GXP for under $41K( except with conditional rebates from GM). The SHO is a diff. type of car from those anyway. With all its options, its power, reliability etc its a good price(not great, but good). It should be priced at base $35K for the SHO but again you can get a 263HP Taurus for 26K to 31K which isnt bad either and looks alot better than most Honda Accords or Camry's. Furthermore the interiors of the Chargers and Challengers are mostly plain & ordinary for todays busy world of high tech gadgets we use daily. The new SHO looks great, it was well thought out, gives one many options incl. for longer drives. I own a '94 SHO and its still a great driving car and was way ahead of its time and for a fully loaded $26500 sleeper sedan you got it all, and nowadays you can add a Quaife Limited Slip Differential, some tweaking & Supercharging you can push the Gen 1 & 2's up to 500HP. Yep believe it. I've seen a few and yep they run as good as ever. There are 100's of SHO's out there with anything from 250 to 400HP and a few with 500HP daily drivers. The engines go 250k miles with tuneups & oil changes.
So comparing SRT's and Chargers/Challengers, & G8' GXP's is all well & good but the SHO's are very diff.to get any of those for under $40K let alone 42K to even 43K with the options, so for those posting $38K for GXP and SRT's, good luck!! A fully loaded G8 GT is right about $38K and it's a nice car as well. Love it's lines and the skirting package on the GT & GXP are great, yet G8 GXP's are hard to find, costly with the options, and even though I think the new SHO should be based at $35K and go up from there, its still a bargain overall for all you get. People stuck in the "A Taurus shouldn't cost that" are stuck in the past and also dont know the SHO versions well enough to know the know and go for the SHO. A fully loaded SHO in the 89-95 SHO's was $26K-27K. They had almost everything in them. Look at everything this new SHO has and not too shabby on HP either and AWD. The old SHO was fully loaded and very quick so no surprise this one is priced where it is albeit slightly high but still all that stuff and HP. Its fantastic. Maybe Ford will be smarter this time as well and offer a Sportswagon version. Rumors swirling about new Mazda 6 wagon in 2010. Not bad either. V6 with 273Hp in a Sportswagon. The original Mazda 6 Swagon is a great car so Ford should offer the new SHO in 2011 in SWagon form as well. Wait and see the folks line up for those. 365HP in a wagon & 20" wheels too? I'll be one of the 1st in line if they do but still this SHO sedan is awesome. If Ford brings it price down even 2 grand they wont be able to keep up with demand once the economy picks up but even with the economy now this thing will do well.
Posted by DP | April 9, 2009 12:35 AM
Posted on April 9, 2009 00:35
Having owned the M45, I told myself I will never drive a RWD sports sedan in the Chicago area. 3 months of the year I was driving and praying (Winter). This car had great weight distribution but the torque on it was more than the grip.
The reason this car has stood out isn't the HP, or really the $$$ (in comparisons to others). It is 4 door, AWD.
AWD is critical in a family car these days, especially for those that live anywhere north of Nashville TN (example).
Posted by Matt | May 19, 2009 9:10 AM
Posted on May 19, 2009 09:10